By Reader Staff
The Bonner County Fairgrounds are gearing up for a month of major events, kicking off Friday, Aug. 1-Saturday, Aug. 2 with the Sandpoint PRCA Rodeo.
From 7-9:30 p.m. both days, spectators are invited to view some of the best riding and roping around, with top-of-the-field performances and entertainment from rodeo athletes who are as skilled as they are brave.
“Get ready to witness heart-stopping bull rides, lightning-fast barrel racing and jaw-dropping roping skills,” organizers stated.
More than 100 athletes will participate in the rodeo over two nights, coming from southern Idaho, eastern Washington, Canada, California, Texas and points beyond, with the Sandpoint PRCA Rodeo being part of the Columbia River circuit, and co-approved with the Montana and Maple Leaf (Canada) circuits.
In addition to the events in the arena — located at 4203 N. Boyer Road — 2025 Miss Sandpoint Rodeo Yesenia Pilgrim will make several appearances, serving in the grand entry and — at the end of the event — being available with other visiting rodeo royalty to sign autographs. According to organizers, if all goes according to plan, she’ll also be pushing cows for roping events.
Born and raised in Idaho, Pilgrim is a senior at North Idaho Christian School, where she is student body president. Also a member of the North Idaho Saddle Mule Club, Pilgrim was introduced to all things equine at her first foster home, and is still learning at the Gem State Mule Company. She now rescues horses at Malinauskas Cattle Company in Worley, Idaho.
In addition to all the action at the fairgrounds, the official rodeo after-party will be hosted at The Hive, with two nights of rocking modern country from Pendleton, Ore.-based Austin Miller on Friday and Hogwire on Saturday. Both shows start at 8 p.m. Get more info on Page 21 and get tickets at livefromthehive.com or at the door (207 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).
General admission to the Sandpoint PRCA Rodeo is $20, with children 2 and younger allowed in the event for free.
Go to bonnercountyfair.com/p/tickets-and-merchandise to buy tickets, and sandpointbonnercountyrodeo.com for more information.
